Glen Ellyn Dethatching Lawn Services

Our Dethatching Lawn Process

Contact Glen Ellyn’s Department of Public Works for Dethatched Material Disposal & Yard Waste Collection

Proper disposal of dethatched lawn material is essential for both environmental compliance and neighborhood cleanliness in Glen Ellyn. The Village operates a comprehensive yard waste collection program, typically running from April through November, which includes curbside pickup and a dedicated drop-off site for residents. Accepted materials include dethatched thatch, grass clippings, leaves, and small branches, but all must be separated as required by local guidelines. Only biodegradable paper yard waste bags or rigid containers (32-gallon maximum) are permitted—plastic bags are strictly prohibited. Commercial contractors may be subject to additional permit or fee requirements. Residents should check the seasonal collection schedule and ensure that all materials are placed at the curb on designated days. For larger quantities or off-schedule disposal, the drop-off site is available during posted hours, and a resident permit or sticker may be required. For more information or to confirm current procedures, contact: Glen Ellyn Department of Public Works
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 469-6756
Official Website: Public Works Department

Understanding Thatch Buildup in Glen Ellyn’s Heavy Clay Soils

Glen Ellyn’s lawns are predominantly established on Drummer silty clay loam and similar heavy clay soil series, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils are poorly drained, with a high water table in spring (often 12-24 inches from the surface), and feature an alkaline pH (7.0-8.5) that slows microbial activity. The result is slow decomposition of organic matter, especially in compacted, anaerobic conditions common after winter freeze-thaw cycles and spring waterlogging. Humid Illinois summers further promote rapid Kentucky bluegrass growth, compounding thatch accumulation. A healthy thatch layer should not exceed 0.5 inches; beyond this, problems escalate, including:

• Water ponding on the surface after rain due to poor infiltration
• Spongy or matted grass appearance
• Thinning turf despite regular fertilization
• Increased disease pressure (e.g., summer patch, necrotic ring spot)
• Moss growth in shaded, moist areas
• Poor drought performance These indicators signal the need for dethatching, ideally timed for early spring (late March-April) or early fall (late August-September), but never when clay soils are saturated to avoid severe rutting and compaction.

Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission Requirements for Dethatching Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Dethatching near Glen Ellyn’s wetlands, streams, and conservation areas requires careful coordination with the Environmental Commission to ensure compliance with local and state environmental protections. Work within 10-25 feet of wetland buffer zones or near forest preserve lands (such as those managed by the DuPage County Forest Preserve District) may require permits and adherence to erosion control measures, especially given the high erodibility of exposed clay soils. Seasonal restrictions may apply, particularly during the spring nesting season (April-May), when ground-nesting birds are present—visual surveys are recommended before starting work. Erosion control practices, such as immediate overseeding or the use of erosion control blankets on slopes, are essential to prevent sediment runoff into protected waters. For guidance on environmental compliance and permit requirements, contact: Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 469-5000
Official Website: Environmental Commission

Glen Ellyn’s Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Regulations for Dethatched Material

Glen Ellyn enforces Illinois organic waste management regulations under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5), which prohibit disposal of yard waste, including dethatched material, in household trash. The Village’s yard waste collection program supports these goals by requiring all materials to be placed in biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers—plastic bags are not accepted. Residents may also compost dethatched material on-site, provided they follow setback requirements (typically 5-10 feet from property lines) and best practices such as mixing thatch with leaves for proper aeration and moisture. These efforts align with Glen Ellyn’s sustainability initiatives and waste reduction targets. For more information on composting guidelines and collection schedules, contact: Glen Ellyn Department of Public Works
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 469-6756
Official Website: Public Works Department

Post-Dethatching Stormwater Management in Compliance with Glen Ellyn’s MS4 Program

After dethatching, exposed clay soils in Glen Ellyn are highly susceptible to erosion and sediment runoff, which can impact the Lake Michigan watershed. The Village operates under an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit, requiring strict stormwater management practices. Immediate stabilization of dethatched areas is critical—overseed within 24-48 hours, apply starter fertilizer, and maintain consistent moisture for 2-3 weeks to ensure rapid turf establishment. On slopes exceeding 10-15%, use erosion control blankets or temporary seeding. Protect storm drains from sediment using barriers or silt socks. Always check the National Weather Service Chicago forecast and avoid dethatching before heavy rain or when soils are saturated, as rutting and runoff risks are highest. For stormwater compliance and permit questions, contact: Glen Ellyn Community Development Department
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 547-5250
Official Website: Community Development Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Glen Ellyn, IL?

Glen Ellyn’s neighborhoods each present unique thatch management challenges due to variations in soil, development age, and landscape features:

• Historic Downtown & Lake Ellyn Area: Mature tree canopy, Drummer silty clay loam, poor drainage, decades of thatch accumulation, high compaction from foot traffic.
• Glen Ellyn Woods & Arboretum Estates: Proximity to forest preserves, high water table in spring, buffer zone regulations, Kentucky bluegrass dominance, shaded lawns with moss risk.
• Ben Franklin & Revere Road Districts: Post-WWII development, compacted clay soils, moderate tree cover, older lawns with chronic thatch issues.
• Butterfield West & South Side: 1980s-2000s subdivisions, variable soil compaction, newer turf with less thatch but construction-related compaction, some tall fescue blends.
• Parkview & Stacy Woods: Near wetlands and streams, strict environmental oversight, seasonal flooding, fine fescue in shaded areas, high disease pressure.
• College View & North Side: Minimal tree cover, full sun, rapid Kentucky bluegrass growth, irrigation promoting thatch, less compaction but faster accumulation.
• Village Links Area: HOA-managed common areas, professional maintenance, regular fertilization, rapid thatch buildup, irrigation systems. Each area requires tailored dethatching and soil management strategies based on these factors.

Glen Ellyn Municipal Ordinances for Landscaping Operations & Equipment Use

Landscaping operations in Glen Ellyn are governed by municipal ordinances designed to protect public health, safety, and neighborhood quality of life. Power dethatching equipment and other landscaping machinery may only be operated during permitted hours—typically 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays, 8 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays, with possible restrictions on Sundays. Noise ordinances apply to all power equipment, and commercial service providers must be properly licensed and registered with the Village, carrying comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Bonding may be required for municipal contracts. Residents and contractors should review the latest code requirements and file any complaints or concerns through the Village’s code enforcement system. For ordinance details and contractor registration, contact: Glen Ellyn Department of Public Works
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 469-6756
Official Website: Public Works Department